Chopping Into Trade: Investigations of Wood Products, Copper Imports Under Section 232

On March 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated Section 232 investigations to assess the national security implications of copper and wood product imports. 

The investigations were initiated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. § 1862), which grants the president the authority to take action and direct the U.S. Department of Commerce if imports of certain goods are determined to threaten national security.

The investigation is looking to assess copper imports in various forms, including raw mined copper, copper concentrates, refined copper, copper alloys, scrap copper, and derivative products. The Commerce Department is seeking public comments to evaluate factors such as:

• The current and projected demand for copper in U.S. defense, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors
• The extent to which domestic production and supplies can meet such demands
• The impact of foreign competition on domestic copper producers
• Any other relevant factors that could affect national security

Public comment is also being sought pursuant to an investigation to assess the national security implications of imports of wood products, including timber, lumber, and their derivative products.

In pursuit of its investigation, the Commerce Department is seeking public comments to evaluate factors such as:

• Current and projected demand for timber and lumber in the United States
• Role of foreign supply chains, particularly major exporters, in fulfilling U.S. timber and lumber requirements
• The impact of current trade policies on domestic timber, lumber, and derivative product production, and whether additional measures, could affect national security
• Any other relevant factors that could affect national security

Interested parties are invited to submit written comments, data, analyses, or other pertinent information on both topics by April 1, 2025.